Congratulations and Welcome to Emory University!

Living and studying outside your country may be one of the most significant experiences in your life. As you embark on this new journey, the staff members of the Office of International Student and Scholar Programs(ISSP) are here to assist you. While studying at Emory, you will learn not only through your academic pursuits, but also from your contacts with people in the United States.

By your presence, and through sharing your ideas and cultural heritage with others, you will make a significant contribution. Please take advantage of the many opportunities to learn about U.S. society and cultures and to teach others about your society and culture. There are many things to do before you depart for the United States. If one is available in your area, attend a pre-departure orientation. Contact a U.S. educational advising center such as Education USA, the bi-national cultural center, Fulbright Commission, or other advising agency to arrange for an orientation.

Try to locate vacationing students or alumni who have studied in the United States, preferably at Emory University. Talk to them about the adjustments they found necessary for achieving academic success in the United States.  Online resources such as our ISSP website and Facebook.com can be helpful as well.

In order to help orient you to Emory and Atlanta, the Office of International Student and Scholar Programs (ISSP) has prepared a special orientation program to complement your academic division’s orientation. You will receive information regarding your visa, medical insurance, and living and studying in the United States, especially at Emory University.  The Fall Orientation 2009 will be from August 20-21, except for MBA, Medical, Law, and Chemistry Ph.D. students for whom an orientation is arranged by your school.  The Spring Orientation 2010 will be on or around mid-January, 2010.  The Summer Orientation 2010 will be on or around mid-May, 2010.  Please check the cover sheet of this package to determine your tentative orientation dates, times and places.  The most current schedules will be on our website.  In addition, sign up through our website for “check-in session,” which is a time to come by the ISSP office to present your immigration documentation (passport with visa, I-94 card, I-20 or DS-2019 form).  See pages 4 and 5 for samples of these forms.

This pre-arrival guide provides important information; please read all of it carefully and if you still have questions, feel free to contact ISSP. For Chinese students, in addition to the information contained in this packet, please see the Chinese Pre-departure Orientation website: www.china-nafsa.aief-usa.org.

New Japanese students may contact Professor Noriko Takeda for information before arrival. She may be reached at ntakeda@emory.edu or in the Department of Russian and East Asian Languages and Cultures at +1-404-727-2518.

Lelia Crawford, Director
International Student and Scholar Programs